Three spectators died – two at the time and the third of his injuries – Saturday during the automotive rally of the Fourme, organized in Puy -de -Dôme (center of France), because of the road exit from a racing car. The victims are two brothers aged 70 and 60 as well as a 44 -year -old father, according to the prosecution. An investigation was opened to specify the circumstances of the accident.
The first two deceased people were struck while they were in a prohibited area for spectators, according to the first elements of the investigation which remains to be confirmed, said the prefecture. The third person, who also attended the race, was first seriously injured and transported to the hospital, where she died.
The driver of the vehicle, “shocked”, was also injured and hospitalized.
The last already bereaved edition
The Fourme rally had already been bereaved during its 2024 edition by a fatal accident, during which a race commissioner died.
The tragic accident on Saturday morning took place around 11 am in the town of Saint-Just, a wooded territory south of Ambert, in the east of the department, said the prefect Joël Mathurin during a press briefing. In total, “a dozen people were involved” in the accident, which occurred at a place called Le Cros, on the course of the rally, said the prefect, who went there.
An investigation was opened, diligent by the Clermont-Ferrand prosecution, to specify the circumstances of the accident.
The race was definitively stopped
The first elements show that the stewed spectators were in a marked area that cannot accommodate an audience. “I can tell you that these people were indeed where there were red rumans, but it will be up to the investigation to determine the circumstances and the reasons why these people were there,” said Joël Mathurin.
Public reception areas are marked by green rumors, he said.
In a brief press release published on Facebook, the rally organization specifies that the race was definitively stopped at 10:49 am. All spectators were asked to leave the premises. The award ceremony was canceled, according to the organization. The departmental route where the accident was closed.
Thirty firefighters, as well as thirty gendarmes were mobilized in rescue and security operations. A psychological cell was set up at the Saint-Just village hall to accommodate the shocked people.
The climatic conditions were good this Saturday morning in Puy-de-Dôme, with a soft and sunny weather.
Organized since 1965, the rally brought 167 crews for this 32nd edition.
